HAYGAIN HG-2002 Hay Steamer User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- HAYGAIN
Table of Contents
- HAYGAIN HG-2002 Hay Steamer User Manual
- About your Haygain® HG-2000 hay steamer
- About this user manual
- Disclaimer
- Your Haygain® hay steamer details
- Getting started
- Overview Hay chest
- Steam generators
- Where to set up your Haygain® hay steamer
- To connect the steam generators to the hay chest
- Safety General safety
- Electrical specifications
- Using your Haygain® hay steamer
- To fill the steam generator with water
- Loading forage
- To load forage
- Steaming forage
- To steam forage
- Unloading forage
- To unload forage
- Working in freezing conditions
- To steam hay in freezing conditions
- Maintenance
- Cleaning the hay chest
- To clean the hay chest
- To clean the steam generator
- Descaling the steam generators
- To descale the steam generator
- Storing your Haygain® hay steamer for long periods of time
- To store the hay chest for long periods of time
- To store the steam generator for long periods of time
- Troubleshooting
- Forage is taking longer than normal to steam
- Forage is not steaming properly or steam is not coming from all manifold
- The steam generator trips the circuit breaker or RCD
- The steam generator does not switch on
- While steaming, steam or water escapes from the hay chest
- While steaming, steam escapes from the cap on the steam generator
- Warranty
- Terms of the warranty
- Exceptions to the warranty
- Maintenance records
- Read More About This Manual & Download PDF:
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
HAYGAIN HG-2002 Hay Steamer User Manual
About your Haygain® HG-2000 hay steamer
Congratulations on purchasing your Haygain® HG-2000 hay steamer!
Mould growth can affect all types of hay and haylage. Moulds produce
respirable dust that when inhaled can cause respiratory allergies. These
conditions compromise the ability of your horse to breathe properly. Mould
growth also reduces the nutritional quality of the forage.
Your Haygain® hay steamer is the only system scientifically proven to kill
mould spores and bacteria in forage, and remove the potentially allergenic
respirable dust. Steamed hay helps to protect your horse from harmful dust and
microorganisms, which allows your horse to perform to the best of its ability.
Your horse will also love the improved taste of steamed forage.
Here at Haygain® we are committed to improving the health and well-being of
your horse. To see other ways that we can help you and your horse, visit
www.haygain.com
About this user manual
This user manual describes how to safely use and maintain your Haygain® hay steamer, and how to get the best results from it. To watch some helpful videos or see frequently asked questions, visit www.haygain.com
Read this user manual before use
Before you get started, read this user manual. When you use your Haygain® hay steamer, follow all instructions carefully and safely.
Disclaimer
We have made every effort to ensure that the information in this user manual
is correct at the time of publishing. However, we reserve the right to change
the information at any time without notice.
Failure to observe the requirements of this user manual may result in the user
being held responsible for the consequences and will invalidate the warranty.
We accept no liability for misuse or unauthorised modifications to your
Haygain® HG-2000 hay steamer.
You must always steam forage in the hay steamer for at least 60 minutes and
until the thermometer reads at least 80 °C. The minimum time for steaming is
based on an ambient temperature of 15 °C, a sufficient power supply and a
location at sea level.
Your Haygain® hay steamer details
Before you get started, make a note of serial numbers and the date of
delivery. The serial
number for the hay chest is on the inside of the lid. The serial number for
the steam generators is on the label.
Serial number (hay chest)
Serial number (steam generator)
Serial number (stea Date of delivery
Getting started
Unpacking your Haygain® hay steamer
Check you have all of the following parts. If you do not have a part, contact
your supplier within 7 working days of delivery.
- Haygain® HG-2000 hay chest, with a fixed 5-spike steam manifold
- Two PB steam generators, with steam hoses with quick release fitting
- Funnel
- Watering can
- Haygain® descaler
- User manual
Overview Hay chest
A Lid G Thermometer
B Lid seal H Rebated handles on both sides of lid
C Catch I Internal hose
D Drain hole J Handle
E Steam manifold plates K Steam hole
F Wheel L Manifold spike
Steam generators
A Handle G Heating indicator light (amber)
B Safety cap H Empty indicator light (red)
C Filler spout I Polycarbonate insulated outer case
D Connector for hay chest J Stainless steel tank
E Steam hose K Copper-plated nickel heating element
F Power button L Power cable and cable restraint
Where to set up your Haygain® hay steamer
Set up your Haygain® hay steamer in a safe place
To prevent hazards and damage to your Haygain® hay steamer, use it in a location that meets the specifications below.
Take care when moving your Haygain® hay steamer
Before you move the hay chest or steam generator, switch off the steam
generator. Empty the hay chest of forage, and ensure the steam generator has
cooled down.
To move the hay chest, lift it by the handle on the opposite side to the
wheels and push or pull it. The higher you lift the hay chest, the easier it
is to move.
To move the steam generator, lift it by the handle.
Set up your Haygain® hay steamer in a location that meets the following
specifications:
Place Steam generator: indoors only Hay chest: indoors or
outdoors
Note : Some water will come out of the drain holes in the hay chest. Not
accessible by children or animals
Floor Level and hard floor that drains well Clean and free
from mould or damp
Ventilation Well ventilated, to avoid damp conditions
Nothing covering the hay chest or steam generator
Power Within 4 metres of a power outlet
Not directly under a power outlet, as steam can corrode the power outlet
Complies with the electrical specifications on page 8
Water Near a source of clean tap water
Connecting the steam generators to the hay chest
When the hay chest and steam generator are in a suitable location, use the
steam hose to connect them.
To connect the steam generators to the hay chest
-
Find the quick release fitting at the end of the steam
-
Pull back the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose, and push it firmly onto one of the hose connectors of the hay.
-
Release the barrel of the quick release fitting on the hose, so that it slides into the locked position. To check that the steam hose is securely connected, pull the hose.
Ensure the hose is not kinked or restricted. -
Repeat for the second steam generator.
Safety General safety
Use your Haygain® hay steamer in a safe place
Set up your Haygain® hay steamer in a location that meets the specifications on page 6.
Hot steam and temperatures can cause burns
When the steam generator is switched on, it produces hot steam that comes out
of it and the hay chest. Before you open the safety cap of the steam
generator, allow it to cool down.
Areas of the hay chest, for example the manifold spikes, can get very hot.
Take care when you steam forage and unload it.
Handle with care
Take are not to damage your Haygain® hay steamer. Do not use sharp objects,
for example hay forks, inside the hay chest.
If any part of your Haygain® hay steamer is damaged, including the steam hose,
electrical cable or thermometer, do not use it. Contact us for help.
Keep children and animals safe
Keep children and animals away from your Haygain® hay steamer.
Maintain your Haygain® hay steamer
Follow the maintenance instructions in this user manual. If you do not maintain your Haygain® hay steamer, it may stop working or become dangerous. Use only genuine Haygain® spare parts and approved accessories.Electrical safety
Electrical equipment can be dangerous
Ensure your electrical meets the specifications for the steam generator. If you have any questions about your electrical setup, contact a qualified electrician.
Electrical specifications
The steam generator is an electrical device. Before you use the steam
generator, check there is no damage to the plug, cable, and cable restraint.
outinely check the condition of the electrical cable and plug to ensure it is
not getting dirty, corroded or damaged.
This product should only be used with a professionally installed and certified electrical system meeting the following requirements:
- 2750 W
- 50/60 Hz
- 230 V
- The steam generator must be earthed.
- The plug, cable, cable restraint and power outlet are not damaged.
- The plug and cable are clean and dry when you plug them into the power outlet.
We recommend you plug the steam generator into a power outlet that is RCD (residual-current device) protected. Extension cables
Wall timers
To switch on or off the steam generator at a certain time, you can use a wall
timer. If you plug the steam generator into a wall timer, ensure the wall
timer meets the electrical
specifications on page 8. Ensure the steam generator is securely fitted into
the wall timer and the wall timer is securely fitted into the power outlet.
Using your Haygain® hay steamer
Read the safety chapter
Before you use your Haygain® hay steamer, read the Safety chapter in this user
manual.
After you set up your Haygain® hay steamer and make sure it is safe, you can
start steaming forage. You can feed steamed forage to your horse immediately
or ideally up to 24 hours after steaming.
To steam forage, complete the following tasks in this chapter:
- Fill the steam generators with water.
- Load forage in the hay chest.
- Steam forage in the hay chest.
- Unload forage from the hay chest. If you are working in freezing conditions, see page 13. Filling the steam generator with water Before you can start steaming forage, you need to fill the steam generator with water.
To fill the steam generator with water
-
Warning: Do not open the cap on the steam generator when the steam generator is hot. Ensure the steam generator has cooled down. Unscrew the cap on the steam generator.
-
To ensure the steam generator is empty, hold it by the handle and tilt it. Empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or container.
-
Place the funnel in the filler spout.
-
Carefully pour up to 8 litres of clean tap water into the steam generator. If you are only steaming one bale, we recommend you use 6 litres of clean tap water.
Warning: Take care not to overfill the steam generator with water. Never add anti-freeze or other additives to the water. -
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the cap and tighten it by hand.
Loading forage
The hay chest can hold a standard size bale of forage, several hay nets, or loose forage. When steaming part of a bale of forage, re-tie it using bailing twine to keep it together. After steaming, cut and remove any bailing twine.
After steaming, any metal parts on hay nets will be very hot. The hot temperatures in the hay chest can also cause some hay nets to shrink. We recommend you use Haygain® hay nets, which do not have any metal parts and are heat-resistant so will not shrink. You can order Haygain® hay nets from www.haygain.com
To load forage
- Lift the lid of the hay
- Check there is no loose forage in the hay chest, and that the steam holes and drain holes are not blocked. If there is any loose forage or blockages, clean the hay chest before you load new Read more about cleaning the hay chest on page 15.
- Place the forage into the hay chest. Place hay nets or wedges of loose forage vertically, so that they are parallel with the sides of the
- Press the forage down firmly, being careful of the manifold spikes. Ensure the manifold spikes fully pierce the
- Close the lid of the hay chest and fasten the
Steaming forage
When you steam the forage in the hay chest, the internal temperature of the
hay chest can reach 80 °C and above. This represents a temperature of 100 °C
in the forage. The combination of hot temperature and moisture kills the mould
spores and bacteria in the forage, protecting your horse from harmful dust and
microorganisms.
If no steam comes out of the manifold spikes when you are steaming forage,
there can be a blockage in the hay chest, steam generator or steam hose. For
more information, see page 20.
Do not allow the steam generators to run out of water
If a steam generator runs out of water, also known as “boils dry”, it can be damaged. If the steam generator boils dry, switch off the steam generator immediately. Before you unscrew the cap and add more water, allow it to cool down. Do not stand over the steam generator when you unscrew the cap.
To steam forage
- Warning: Before you plug the steam generator into a power outlet, mop up any water spillages around your Haygain® hay steamer. Ensure the plug, cable, and power outlet are clean and
Plug the steam generator into a power outlet.
- To switch on the steam generators, press the power button on both machines. The power buttons turn green and the heating indicator lights turn
- Steam the forage for 60 minutes, then check the thermometer on the hay chest
- If the temperature shown is at least 80 °C, steaming is
- If the temperature shown is below 80 °C, continue steaming until it is 80 °C.
- To switch off the steam generator, turn the power switch anti-clockwise to the OFF
position.
- Unplug the steam generator from the power
- When the steam generator has cooled down, unscrew the cap on the steam
- Lift the steam generator by the handle and turn it over. Empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or container, to reduce the build-up of lime
Unloading forage
After you steam forage, the forage is warm and smells sweet. Most horses love
the taste and prefer it to dry or soaked hay. We recommend you make any
changes to your horse’s diet slowly, to give their digestive system time to
adapt. When you first start using steamed forage, mix it with your horse’s
existing forage for a few days.
You can feed steamed forage to your horse immediately or ideally up to 24
hours after steaming. The steamed forage is slightly wet on the outside due to
condensation on the bottom of the hay chest lid. However, the inside of the
forage is dry to the touch.
To ensure the hay chest and its lid always fit together properly, keep the lid on the hay chest as they cool down.
Beware of hot steam when you open the hay chest lid
When you open the lid of the hay chest, use of the rebated handles and stand to one side to allow steam to escape. Do not lean over the hay chest as steam escapes.
To unload forage
- Use one of the rebated handles to lift the lid of the hay chest. Open the lid from the side to allow steam to
- Unload the forage from the hay
Warning: If the forage in the hay chest is too hot, wear protective gloves when you handle it. Take care when you unload hay nets, as any metal parts will be very hot.
- Close the lid of the hay
Working in freezing conditions
When the ambient temperature is very low, water can freeze in the hay chest, steam generator or steam hose.
Do not use anti-freeze products
Do not use anti-freeze or other additives in the steam generator. Additives in the steam generator can be a health hazard to your horse, or can damage the steam generator. It will also void the warranty.
To steam hay in freezing conditions
- Disconnect the steam hose from the hay
- To ensure there is no ice in the steam hose place it in warm water and gently squeeze Then switch on the steam generator.
Warning: Do not unscrew the cap.
- If steam comes out of the steam hose, continue to step
- To ensure there is no ice in the hay chest, connect the steam hose to the hay chest. Do not load forage in the hay
Warning: The steam hose is hot. Take care when you hold it.
- If steam does not come out of the manifold spikes, switch off the steam generator. To remove ice in the hay chest, pour warm water over it. Then switch on the steam generator again.
Warning: Do not unscrew the cap.
- If steam comes out of the manifold spikes, you can steam forage as
4.After you use your Haygain® hay steamers, disconnect the steam hose from the hay chest and pour all water out of the steamers and the hoses. To prevent ice from forming in the hay chest, tilt the hay chest backwards. Allow water to drain out of the steam manifold.
Maintenance
To continue steaming forage and keeping your horse happy, maintain your Haygain® hay steamer. Complete the following tasks in this chapter:
- Every week:
- Clean the hay chest
- Clean the steam generators
- Every 4 to 6 weeks:
- Descale the steam generators
Cleaning the hay chest
Clean the hay chest every week. To clean the hay chest after steaming forage, switch off the steam generator and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down.
To clean the hay chest
- Lift the lid of the hay
Warning: When you clean the hay chest, take care not to hit your head on the lid.
- Remove all loose forage from inside the hay chest, including from the drain holes and from under the steam manifold.
Warning: Take care as the manifold spikes are sharp.
- To rinse the hay chest, use clean tap water. Allow the water to drain through the drain holes at the bottom of the hay chest.
- Close the lid of the hay
Cleaning the steam generators
Clean the steam generators every week. To clean the steam generator after steaming forage, switch it off and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down.
To clean the steam generator
-
Unplug the steam generator from the power
-
To disconnect the steam hose connected to the hay chest, do the following:
-
Pull back the barrel of the quick release fitting on the
-
Pull the quick release fitting from the hose connector of the hay chest.
-
Empty the steam hose of
-
Unscrew the cap on the steam generator. Remove any forage or other material from the
-
Place the funnel in the filler
Carefully pour 4 litres of clean tap water into the steam generator, so that it is half full. -
Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the cap and tighten it by
-
To remove any loose material in the steam generator, shake the steam
-
Unscrew the cap on the steam generator, then empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or
-
Repeat steps 5 to 9 until the water is clear when it comes out of the steam
-
Screw the cap onto the steam generator and tighten it by
-
Connect the steam hose to the hay chest and plug the steam generator into a power
Descaling the steam generators
Lime scale can build up in the steam generator. To prevent damage to the steam generator, descale it every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the following factors:
- How often you steam forage
- How soft or hard your local water supply is You can purchase descaler from haygain.com
Label the steam generator when descaling
If you steam forage while the steam generator contains descaler, it can be a health hazard to your horse. To prevent other people from using the steam generator when you descale it, clearly label it to say it contains descaler.
To descale the steam generator
- Before you descale the steam generator, clean it. For more information, see page 15. After you clean the steam generator, do not screw on the filter cap or reconnect the steam hose to the hay chest. Ensure the steam generator is completely
- Open the packet of descaler and dissolve it in the required volume of warm water, as described in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place the funnel in the filler
- Carefully pour the diluted solution of descaler into the steam
- Remove the funnel from the steam generator, then screw on the cap and tighten it by
- To switch on the steam generator, turn the power
- When the water starts to boil and steam comes out of the steam hose, switch off the steam To switch off the steam generator.
- Unplug the steam generator from the power outlet.
-
- Clean the hay For more information, see page 15.
- Disconnect the steam hose from the hay Empty the steam hose of water.
- Store the hay chest in a sheltered and dry
- Before you use the hay chest again, clean it
- To remove any loose material in the steam generator, shake the steam
- Unscrew the cap on the steam generator, then empty the water through the filler spout into a drain or
- Clean the steam generator until the water is clear when it comes out. For more information, see page 15.
- Clearly label the steam generator to say it contains descaler. Then allow the steam generator to descale for at least 3 hours.
Tip: We recommend you descale the steam generator overnight.
Storing your Haygain® hay steamer for long periods of time
If you will not use your Haygain® hay steamer for at least a week, follow the steps below to store it correctly.
To store the hay chest for long periods of time
To store the steam generator for long periods of time
1. Disconnect the steam generator from the power
2. Clean the steam For more information, see page 15.
3. If the steam generator will not be used for at least 4 weeks, descale it. For more information, see page 16.
4. Empty the steam generator of
5. Store the steam generator in a sheltered and dry place, at above freezing temperature. Store the steam generator with the power cable coiled up.
6. Before you use the steam generator again, check it thoroughly. Ensure there is no damage to the plug or cable, and that they are both clean and
Troubleshooting
If you have any problems with your Haygain® hay steamer, have a look at the following possible causes and solutions. If you still have problems after troubleshooting, contact us.
Forage is taking longer than normal to steam
Possible cause | Solution |
---|---|
The ambient temperature or water temperature is lower than normal. | Steam the |
forage for longer than normal. Ensure the thermometer on the hay chest reaches
80 °C. To reduce steaming time, you can fill the steam generator with hot
water before you switch it on.
The amount of loaded forage is heavier than normal or inconsistently packed in
the hay chest.
The heating element of the steam generator is covered in lime scale, which
reduces its efficiency.| Allow the steam generator to cool down. Clean and
descale the steam generator. Read more about maintenance on page 15.
The electrical voltage may be lower than normal.| Check the steam generator is
connected to a sufficient power supply. If you are unsure, contact a qualified
electrician. Try turning off other appliances.
If there is insufficient power, steam the forage for longer than normal. Ensure the thermometer on the hay chest reaches 80 °C. To reduce steaming time, you can fill the steam generator with hot water before you switch it on.
Forage is not steaming properly or steam is not coming from all manifold
spikes
Possible cause | Solution |
---|
The amount of loaded forage is heavier than normal or is loosely placed in the
hay chest.| Steam the forage for longer than normal. Ensure the thermometer on
the hay chest reaches 80 °C. To reduce steaming time, you can fill the steam
generator with hot water before you switch it on. When loading forage, press
it firmly and evenly into the hay chest.
The hay chest is not on level ground, which can cause steam to only come out
of some manifold spikes.| Allow your Haygain® hay steamer to cool down. Move
the hay chest to level ground.
There is a kink in the steam hose or it is damaged.| Allow your Haygain® hay
steamer to cool down. Replace the steam hose. To order a new steam hose,
contact us.
There is an unusual amount of water or condensation in the steam manifold.|
Allow your Haygain® hay steamer to cool down. Disconnect the steam hose from
the hay chest. To drain water from the steam manifold, tilt the hay chest
backwards.
---|---
A section of the internal hose in the hay chest is blocked. This can cause
steam to only come out of one steam manifold.| Contact us.
The steam generator trips the circuit breaker or RCD
Possible cause | Solution |
---|---|
The power supply may be insufficient. | Check the steam generator is connected |
to a sufficient power supply. If you are unsure, contact a qualified
electrician. Try turning off other appliances.
The steam generator is damp.| Wait 24 hours for the steam generator to dry
out, then try again. Always keep the steam generator in a warm and dry
environment. To help prevent damp, keep the floor near the steam generator
dry.
The steam generator does not switch on
Possible cause | Solution |
---|---|
There is no power supply. | Plug the steam generator into a working power |
outlet.
The fuse in the steam generator plug has blown.| Replace the fuse in the steam
generator plug.
A fault activated the cut-out feature of the steam generator.| The steam
generator requires servicing. Contact us.
While steaming, steam or water escapes from the hay chest
Possible cause | Solution |
---|---|
The forage has almost finished steaming. | When the forage has almost finished |
steaming, it is normal for steam to be emitted from the sides or drain holes
of the hay chest.
Your hay chest is not on level ground. This can cause the hay chest to twist
or bend as it heats up, which can create a gap between the hay chest and the
lid.| Allow your Haygain® hay steamer to cool down. Move the hay chest to
level ground.
---|---
Your hay chest cooled down without the lid on, which can cause the lid to not
fit the hay chest properly.| Always keep the lid on the hay chest when it
cools down.
While steaming, steam escapes from the cap on the steam generator
Possible cause | Solution |
---|---|
The steam generator has been overfilled. | Allow the steam generator to cool |
down. Pour excess water out of the steam generator.
The cap is not fully closed due to hay or dirt.| Allow the steam generator to
cool down. Remove and clean the cap.
The cap seal is dirty, damaged or missing.| Allow the steam generator to cool
down. Remove and clean the cap and the cap seal. If the cap seal is damaged,
replace it. To order cap seals, contact your supplier.
To replace a cap seal, insert it in the base of the cap, under the metal thread.
Tip: To securely insert the new cap seal, use a screwdriver.
The steam hose is blocked or restricted.| Straighten out the steam hose and
remove anything on top of it.
Allow your Haygain® hay steamer to cool down. Disconnect the steam hose at
both ends and flush water through it.
Attach the steam generator to the steam hose and switch it on. If steam comes out of the steam hose but not out of the cap, you can steam forage as normal.
The steam hose or steam manifold is frozen.| Allow your Haygain® hay steamer to cool down. To defrost the steam hose, place it in warm water. To defrost the steam manifold, pour warm water over it. Read more about working in freezing conditions on page 13.
Warranty
Your Haygain® hay steamer comes with a 1 year warranty. The warranty covers the repair and replacement of your Haygain® hay steamer or a part of it. This includes all required parts and labour.
All repairs and replacements are at the discretion of Haygain®. For more information about the warranty, contact us.
Terms of the warranty
- The warranty is effective from the date of
- Before Haygain® repair or replace your Haygain® hay steamer under warranty, you must provide proof of purchase. Without proof of purchase, there will be a fee for the work
- If your Haygain® hay steamer is faulty, it is usually repaired at an authorised service All work is done by Haygain® or an authorised representative.
- Where possible, Haygain® can provide a steam generator on loan while your steam generator is being repaired. There will be a fee for transportation. If you need a loan steam generator, Haygain® may offer this as a replacement and will collect the faulty steam There will be no fee for a replacement steam generator.
- If a part for your Haygain® hay steamer is no longer available, Haygain® will replace it with a similar functional
- Any repair, replacement or exchange of your Haygain® hay steamer under warranty does not extend the warranty
Exceptions to the warranty
The warranty does not cover the following conditions:
- Normal wear and tear
- Accidental damage
- Removal of blockages
- Use of parts or accessories that are not approved by Haygain®
- Repairs and installations by parties that are not approved by Haygain®
- Faults or damage caused by not maintaining the hay chest or steam generator as described in this manual
- Faults or damage caused by negligent use or misuse, which includes but is not limited to the following conditions:
- Using your Haygain® hay steamer in a location that does not meet the conditions listed in this user manual
- Using dirty water in the steam generator
- Allowing the steam generator to run out of water
- Insufficiently descaling the steam generator
- Foreign objects in the steam generator or steam manifold
Maintenance records
Hay chest maintenance
Cleaned by | Date |
---|---|
Read More About This Manual & Download PDF:
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>